The Ostrich of Namib and the Rhea
of Patagonia are very similar birds. Both are very
large birds and are about the size of man. The
Ostrich lives in Africa and is found in Namib and the
Rhea is found in Patagonia, the southern end of South
America.

The Ostrich is the largest living
bird. It grows to a height of 6-7 feet and weighs
over 300 pounds. The Ostrich has very large eyes
which account for its excellent vision. The male
Ostrich is black with white feathers on the wings and
tail. The neck of the Ostrich appears to be bare
skin. The female Ostrich is grey. Both male and
female have two toes and can run up to 50 miles per
hour. The often travel in pairs and can be seen in
small groups. The Ostrich is a herbivor for the most
part, feeding on leaves and flowers. The Ostrich is
capable of severe injury to anything that threatens
it, using its feet to kick the offender. The Ostrich
can be found in grasslands, brush, forests and
desert.

The Rhea of Patagonia is one of the
largest birds of South America and is found in
Patagonia, southern Argentina. The Rhea grows to a
height of about five feet and weighs about 50-60
pounds. The Rhea has three toes and is very similar
to the Ostrich. Males and female Rheas are very
similar; however, males tend to be a little taller.
Rheas are also able to swim. Rheas like to travel in
flocks of up to 30 individuals. The primary habitat
of the Rhea is in the grasslands of Patagonia. They
prefer the tall grass but will move to a wet area
such as a stream or wetland during certain periods.
The Rhea feeds on both plants and animals. It will
eat leaves and roots as well as insects. (Campbell,
Bruce, and Elizabeth Lack, A Dictionary of Birds,
Buteo Books, Vermillion, 1985, pp. 416-417)

Drawings of the Ostrich and the
Rhea should be displayed in class or the hallways of
the school. A life size Ostrich and/or Rhea might be
a good way for students to recognize the large size
of these birds. Recorded data in science journals, a
check list on the board by the teacher with Rhea on
one side and Ostrich on the other, and group
presentations of similarities and differences might
also be a good way to assess what students have
learned from this activity.

Elementary Extension:

Elementary students may color the
Ostrich and Rhea bird templates included in this
lesson. The teacher may also find a story of birds to
read to students. Additionally, you may want to role
play an Ostrich and a Rhea after watching The Living
Edens programs.

High School Extension:

High school students can research
the more specific elements of food, behavior,
phisiology, and distribution of the Ostrich and Rhea.

Additionally, they might want to
research and collect data on the Emu of Austrailia.